black friday

I'm feeling very unAmerican today because I didn't get up at 5:30am to go stand in line somewhere. Every year I do, even if it's by myself. One year I had all of my Christmas shopping done by 8am.

But not this year. I forgot to buy a newspaper for all the ads. And we don't have internet right now, so I couldn't research that way, either. And being new to the area, I wasn't quite sure how to approach it all.

So instead I slept in.

BUT... since I'm in a coffee shop right now with free wi-fi, I'm doing what I usually do and shop online. And I wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't share with you the fabulous sale going on at Tulle. Everything, absolutely everything is half off. And free shipping.

So I'm ordering:

blue cobalt sweater, $13.25

olive safari skirt, $12

white cardigan, $15.75

Warning: if you do order from them, everything runs small. Let me know what you get. I love hearing about others finds. Happy shopping!

week in review: hmmmm.....

Well, I feel like I don't have a whole lot to share about the week that I haven't already. It's included a trip to court, a number of now finished craft projects, and the anticipation of a long weekend.

But since something is usually better than nothing, I'll leave you with a song that's been in my head all day. I'm a big fan of Ingrid Michaelson and even got to see her in concert this spring. Her song Far Away was an instant favorite of mine. Something in its whimsical nature feels like a three minute and four second daydream. She doesn't have an official video for it, so I heisted this one off of YouTube. It's cleverly done, even if it's not my exact interpretation.

(As I was searching for her link, I just discovered she's releasing a new album next week! Could I be this lucky?)

So my one plan this weekend is to sit on the back porch with the fall breeze and a bottle of Woodchuck (hey, it's cider! that's fall-ish, right?) as I listen to some Ingrid and drift far away.

Have a great weekend!

if only i had kids..

Am I really able to say that after last week? Yes! Because if I did, I'd be tempted to make these. It's another one of Martha Stewart's Crafts of the Day. Who knew potatoes could create such cuteness? The video introduces four fun women who've made a business out of their creativity (Potato Prints) and make it look super easy.

Did you see the ladybugs?? Watch out. If you have a kid anytime soon, you might find one of these homemade creations in your mailbox.

Um, just kidding. But if you make one (I'm talking to you, Jen) PLEASE share pictures!

quilts for everyone

As I was making my usual internet rounds, I came across this easy quilt at Martha Stewart. This is really the simplest way to make a quilt/coverlet that I thought you might enjoy. It just two large pieces of fabric, some batting, a sewing machine (although you could do it by hand), and embroidery thread to tack it together. And Martha always makes everything look so lovely. If you try it, I want to see pictures!

jean shopping revisited

(An added note: Ok, people. It seems this tutorial is proving a bit tricky. So, give me a call or shoot me an email [stellagrube at hotmail dot com] and I'll walk you through it. Heck, send me your jeans and I'll do it for you!)

I'm 5' 2.5" and I will NOT be defeated. Those super cute trendy jeans with their long denim legs that mock me from their silly little hangers..... they will laugh no more!

On Friday I spent 10 minutes with this post and my sewing machine. Ten minutes! And this is what I got:

And this.

Can you tell I took off half an inch? Nope? Look closely. Still don't see it? I KNOW! How great is that?

I have shopped so many times. And there are some jeans that make my butt look good! (and I mean good.) But then they puddle on the floor in their sad way. So back on the rack they go.

No more. Thank you, DaciaRay.

Seriously, check this post out and if you're short like me, it'll change your life, too.

(And if you have a little more time, try Zafu.com. (Thanks Susan C.) I don't know much about it, but it looks promising.)

SNL

In case you missed it, Tina Fey nailed it.
(be aware, they may be some inappropriate jokes included.)

the perfect party

I think that if I ever had a pool and party simultaneously, it would look something like this. (Compliments of Martha's Craft of the Day.)

things that excite me today

As I've been watching repairmen today, I've had too much time to waste surfing the web. Here are some of the things that I've found:

• pearbudget.com - After 4 years of marriage, it's about time we got serious about organizing our finances, don't you think? That job has fallen to me and my attempts on Excel and Numbers haven't cut it. So I might check this site out. Couldn't hurt to try, right? (Anybody out there have a system that works?)
• nienie - A sad story about a super-cute couple that were recently in a severe small plane crash. They're still fighting for their lives. I've been praying for them alot today.
• olympic medals map - A clever little map that reflects the number of medals various countries have won in the last two weeks.
• weather.com (21401) - It looks like it'll be a beautiful day for our race on Sunday with a high of only 83!
• etsy necklace - So simple, but I love it.
• hotmail.com - I still have 605 emails in my inbox staring at me. They're not new, mind you. Most of them can probably be deleted. But many represent friends who would love to hear from me. Gosh, I'm so bad at correspondance!
• pottery barn shower curtain - And just generally thinking of ways to decorate our new home at Fort Bliss.

So, that's how I waste my time. Perhaps I should have done something about all those emails instead...

best waste of time ever

Ever felt too productive? This might help.

free desktop backgrounds

I love changing my desktop. It keeps things fresh. Here's a site with 21 free backgrounds to choose from. This is mine today!

Here's another site to check out for free backgrounds.

And for those who share my bird fetish.... widescreen or standard size.

math coasters

um, I think I'm in love.  So simple, so perfect, so nerdy.  My glass of ice tea just got smarter.  Thank you Etsy, thank you.